High School Football Kickoffs Return Across the Valley
De Armanville, AL · August 24, 2026
High school lights flickered back to life over the weekend, and morning school routes are officially back in full swing today.
The Lead
Friday night marked the official kickoff of the 2026 high school football season across Calhoun County, bringing game-day routines back to local stadiums. Oxford secured a victory on the road against Gadsden City, while Pleasant Valley ended a multi-year drought with a win over White Plains. Wellborn and Jacksonville Christian also claimed opening victories to start their autumn campaigns. With week one completed, coaching staffs are turning immediately to game tape and practice adjustments before county rivalries intensify this coming Friday. For residents across the valley, the return of gridiron action signals the shift into fall schedules. Expect heavier stadium traffic on Friday evenings through November, along with active law enforcement presence in school zones during morning commutes.
Local Pulse
New Community Mural Unveiled at Noble Street Park Hundreds of individually painted tiles now line the park walls, showcasing artwork created by local residents.
Local Developer Launches Event App for Calhoun County A native resident introduced a mobile platform designed to help East Alabama communities discover area gatherings.
Today's Outlook
- High 91°F · Low 67°F — Overcast
- Expect cloud cover throughout the day, keeping afternoon heat slightly more manageable outdoors.
What's On Around Town
Anniston: Steppin' Out Dance Fitness Norwood Hodges Community Center, 5:30 PM High-energy group cardio workout open to all community fitness levels.
Jacksonville: City Council Meeting Jacksonville City Hall (320 Church Ave SE), 6:00 PM Public work session begins at 5:00 PM prior to the regular evening session.
Spotlight & Story
- The Historic Oxford L&N Freight Depot
- Constructed in 1883 along the Louisville & Nashville line, this red-brick structure features distinctive wide-eaved roof brackets and hand-forged hardware. Restored near Main Street, it anchors the downtown historic district, marking where regional cotton trains once loaded before heading north.
De Armanville Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.
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